$20 to get your dog or leave a dog at Highland County pound

Commissioners OK new fees at dog pound

By David Wright - dwright@civitasmedia.com

Highland County Commissioner Jeff Duncan, left, sits in session with board of commissioners president Shane Wilkin on Friday.

David Wright | The Times-Gazette

Dog owners who claim their animal from the Highland County Dog Pound will now have to pay a $20 fee, and the same fee applies to those who wish to surrender their dog to the pound, it was decided in a Friday morning meeting of the Highland County Commissioners.

In addition, a $5 housing fee will be charged every day for dogs held at the pound for more than 36 hours.

Highland County Board of Commissioners President Shane Wilkin and commissioner Jeff Duncan approved the fees after some discussion, with Duncan saying the Highland County dog warden “felt like it was justified” to create some type of extra revenue after looking at other county dog warden offices in surrounding counties.

The warden had originally asked to increase licensing fees from $12 to $14, but Duncan said Highland County Auditor Bill Fawley recommended against that increase.

Also Friday, the commissioners presented a proclamation to Highland County Recorder Chad McConnaughey recognizing Marsha Sonner’s service and retirement.

Sonner retired at the end of 2015 after working at the Highland County Recorder’s Office for 42 years, according to McConnaughey. During her tenure, she worked with five county recorders and trained several, including McConnaughey and former recorder and current Highland County Clerk of Courts Dwight “Ike” Hodson, McConnaughey said.

McConnaughey said the recorder’s office will hold a retirement meet-and-greet party on Monday, June 12 from noon to 2 p.m. in the large meeting room in the basement of the Highland County Administration Building to celebrate Sonner’s service to the community.

McConnaughey said Sonner’s party was delayed due to some health issues.

“It’s quite a feat,” McConnaughey said. “Forty-two years is outstanding… She was excellent to work with.”

The commissioners also passed routine financial resolutions, and adjourned into executive session after the meeting to discuss personnel with McConnaughey still present.

The board took no action after executive session.

Commissioner Terry Britton was absent.

Reach David Wright at 937-402-2570, or on Twitter @DavidWrighter.

Highland County Commissioner Jeff Duncan, left, sits in session with board of commissioners president Shane Wilkin on Friday.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2017/06/web1_wilkinduncan.jpgHighland County Commissioner Jeff Duncan, left, sits in session with board of commissioners president Shane Wilkin on Friday. David Wright | The Times-Gazette